Cleaning your fuel tank

Zep5.0

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Waterloo, Iowa
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1991 Mercury Cougar LS 5.0
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Has anyone here ever cleaned their gas tank? Mine has been sitting a few years with tape over the holes to keep garbage out. It didn't look or smell too bad, but I'd hate to get the car together just to ruin the pump or fuel injectors..

I've read pressure washing and wiping out what you can reach as notable options. Others use simple green and warm water, then shake, rinse etc. Are there any areas with foam that I can't see? Wouldn't want water in foam. Otherwise maybe just shake with some fresh gas?
 
Several of the guys on YouTube use a chemical, rocks or bolts, whatever that will rattle around inside the tank. Shack the crap out of it (back and forth to get the rattle going). Depends on if you have rust or dirt or just disgusting grime inside the tank. Otherwise, if it's clean, soap and water, high pressure, wash, rince, repeat, let dry.

Look up chemical tank cleaner.

Maybe something like

RAParts RW0125-78 Northern Fuel Tank Cleaner (Pint)​

 
And another question:
Does the pump pick up fuel at the bottom of the tank? Or does it pick up from some sort of floater?

If it's a floater, it may be wise to never run your tank low in order to avoid sucking in dirt (?).
 
It’s a plastic tank there’s no rust in there. I’m with Mike get the old crap out and rinse it out with fresh gas. Anything beyond that is paranoia
 
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